Sunday, February 24, 2013

Some People are so Poor, all They Have is Money...

I came across this quote a few months
ago and it resonated with me in such a powerful way.

We all know people in our lives who place an
unhealthy emphasis on money and material things. Part of this is the culture we
live in, for we are a society that measures achievement monetarily.I often wonder if people who are driven by
monetary success ever find true happiness. I have never cared about monetary success...it’s
just not in my DNA. I certainly don’t mean to frown upon
those who are wealthy, for that’s unfair and not the point of this post at all.
There are several extraordinarily wealthy people who do amazing and charitable
things (Warren Buffet and Bill Gates come to mind). But I sometimes wish we as
a nation would not define success in monetary terms. For me, if I am happy at
my job and am surrounded by wonderful family and friends, I will be the richest
person on the planet.

Do you feel that there is too much of
an emphasis on money in our world today?

152 comments:

I agree with you. And yes, I do think there is too much emphasis placed on material items and status. Thankfully, I've never cared about monetary success as much as I've cared about the people I love and the simple things that bring on happiness.

Dear Keith,I agree with you almost completely. As far as money is concerned, I've always said, "Fiddle-de-dee." But I can't agree with your choice of charitable people. Gates is the one responsible for GMO's and the complete adulteration of our food source.

I 110% agree with you. I think about what would happen if the world were to be hit by some catastrophe. Then I ask people, well, what the hell does your $500 brand new TV (when the old one was working just fine, btw) gonna do to help you survive?

To me, I believe that we need to roll back the clock on some things. We should go back to being able to live with simplicity and the necessary instead of things that society deems as cool. It's a hard process, but I think it would be for the better.

Oh Boy....I started responding to this and before I knew it I had a novel.Money....a necessity no matter how you look at it. Use it wisely, prepare for your old age, help your family, use your excess to do good in the world. Do NOT make it the centre of your existence. Probably easier said than done.

oo really good quote...and so true...money does not buy happiness...it buys things we think will make us happy but happiness doesnt come from things....it is poor for sure to have it all and have nothing.....

I agree. I'm not saying this is true to all, but having a monetary drive can make some people selfish,only wishing to benefit themselves. Yes, you might have the dream car/house/clothes, but they truly have what they want? Happiness is priceless and luxury does not equal happiness.

Absolutely agree. Even how we choose to make our living becomes a subject of question - does it pay enough, is it too low brow. Our work and our finances are such a tiny portion of our lives, not sure why they dominate how we're perceived. When we ask someone how they are doing do we really want to know the state of their bank account?

I do not know. It (money subject) is far more complicated than you can imagine. An interesting book on our Puritanical background ("The Visible Saints") offers a reasoning of this:God's gift to the anointed. I wonder about the philanthropicwealthy. How would it have been different if the wealth earned had been more equally distributed among those who earned it? An Apple I Phone costing $500, leaves the factory costing $28.

I don't *like* the monetary system of the world, but since it's the only one I have to work with, it has to be important to me. Most of my stress is related to finances, and stress keeps me stuck in states of depression. I would love to have lots of money; money means security and allows you the ability to enjoy those things which bring truer happiness.

Yes, I so agree with you. that is one of the reasons we live as we do now-very simply, money is tight for us now, but we live in a lovely place here in our woods, got rid of cell phones upon retirement, but keep a trak phone around in case we need it-but not glued to it as so many think they need to be. we enjoy our woods with all the wildlife, beauty, and just work at being happy-living simply and loving it

I agree to this, in a different point of view. People that are working for money (employees, small business owners, self employed - myself included) are definitely poor in the sense that they don't have as much time to travel, spend with their loved ones, do what they love to do - unless of course, their job is something that they genuinely love. I often hear people saying that money isn't everything, but I question that because they spend so much time working for it.

The one thing i just can't grasp is that there are insanely rich people living extravagant lives while kids starve each day. I just don't get it. There's nothing wrong with having money in itself, but when a head turns to from those hurting so they can continue to enjoy theirs, i see a problem.

It is a sad fact that society measures success by acquired wealth, but we all know so many people who are rich in talent, kindness and intelligence but have no desire to sacrifice their time for monetary gains

I agree with you, Keith. In our society, it seems like people's worth is measured by how much money they make. I am like you--if I have work I love and have people in my life that I love and who love me, how can I be richer?

I agree with the sentiment but I am frustrated at how money can be a player. I grew up in a woking class family with little to no money for extras. Then I became part of original hippie/communal living times where money was scare but loving was plentiful. Thing is, in today's world it is tough to make it w/o an income. Witness the health care industry and the fact that we are captives in that machine. And, as others have mentioned, in order to have money to meet the basic demands of life, you have to give up precious time. It feels like a terribly vicious circle at times just to get by. I am, by NO means, enamored with money but the cold hard fact is that without some, you have a tough time and things can be very empty. Ugh.

Over the past few years I've learnt to live on a lot less money - it's amazing what you can do when you set your mind to it. Look at how many people complain winning large amounts of money on the lottery has ruined their lives!

There's a huge emphasis on money and the things that money can buy these days. Society as a whole seems to think that if you are rich...you are better and that mentality just irks me. I'm not rich nor do I need to be in order to be happy.

We have a person in our family who isn't even wealthy, and though we love her, the emphasis she places on money and things is just sickening...and when she gets what she wants, that feeling lasts sooo temporarily. That is totally not the case when your values are invested in the wonderful things you have mentioned.

I just love that quote and am in complete agreement with you! There are so many people with so much money that would give it all away to have their health or love or a true friend. I think it is so easy to stress over money and not be content with what we have, which is most often priceless. I am all for happiness!(with enough money to live on thrown in of course!)Have a great week ahaed,Nathalie

Monetary wealth can be fleeting and worthless.. And even if it stays around for a while it can cause untold hardship and a fake sense of worth.So many other things in life in which to invest.Thanks for this Keith.

yeah, I hear you. as negative as this may sound, I truly believe human beings are jaded or bitter in nature, not entirely, but I think we have both negative and positive sides to us, and each has a hold, unfortunately the negative side all too often appears stronger. Ok, this leads me to poor people, find the everyday things in life and cherish it more, as if they don't, culture will completely inundate them with the misery monetary values besiege us with daily. So we as poor people complain, but it's mainly about wishing we had more money, believing we will be happier overall because of it, thinking our happiness we currently have will stay and then the "happiness" money spurs will be added. Yet, those who are rich, find themselves mainly isolated, despite their freedom to move easily because of their ability to spend. They begin to resent those who don't have, as they believe they are with them solely to leech off of their success. It's a paranoia that seems to strike a chord regardless how strong minded the person may have been previously. So many stories of lottery winners who were poor yet otherwise content if not happy, go through terrible struggles and depression after their winnings. Money is a necessity culture creates and one that success is dictated by, but from a purely psychological stance, perhaps there is some brilliant wisdom to the idea of those who are poor are richer than those with wealth. And if you want to bring religion into it, the meek shall inherit the earth.

Anyhow, my response is kind of all over the place, but I definitely hear you here and agree, and tried to back that up a bit, but sometimes I find my thoughts race when stimulated and without taking some time to formulate them, it can turn out like a collage of sorts. But anyways, another mentally stimulating post/question. Always a pleasure. Thanks

I suspect that some wealthy people are happy and fulfilled - but it's probably not all about money for them. Those that are focused on money and material things will never have enough, because there is always more - I'm not sure how they could really be happy.

Well I don't believe there's any (more) emphasis on money these days than there's ever been. Your post did bring a chuckle as I thought about my very very wealthy (single) Uncle who went to the local furniture store to buy a new lounge suite (after 20 years!)- the staff wouldn't serve him as they thought he was a bum. BAD mistake, he went to another store where they didn't judge a book by its cover.Anyhow, he made his millions by good decisions and some jolly good plain luck as well. He came from a very ordinary working class family as I imagine a lot of today's wealthy people do.He died a ripe old age and only recently. He said something in recent times that really stuck with me "...... the funny thing is I never set out to or meant to become so bloody rich, it just kinda happened"Anyhow that's my bit!

Money is not the most important thing in life but it is important. This world runs on money, whether we like it or not. Money gives people choices. And what people do with those choices is what really matters,IMO. A powerful force that can be used for good and for evil.

I completely agree with you!It's like you aren't successful unless you are making a whole lot of money. Truth is that money literally can't buy happiness because no one is happy from having a lot of things. People are happy from having friends and family who love and care about them.

I don't think there is any doubt that the world is too focused on how much money or fame we have.I think if our needs are being met (housing, job, health, and a little extra spending money) and you are NOT happy, then once you have a lot of money, it still will not make you happy. I think some people are so busy making so much money that they forget the simple things is what bring joy and happiness. : )

Definitely. Pursuit of money is driving most of the destruction of our beautiful planet. Perhaps there should be a cap on how much people are allowed to earn. Who needs billions after all? Surely that kind of money becomes a burden in itself.

That is so true. Abundance is so much more besides money. To have real relationships with people, to have the opportunity to do what you love for your living, to have inner peace. Could go on. Money is good, but only as a servant, not as a master. Love this, Keith. :)

I thought the same thing just the other day. It was cold out and I was warm, my 10 year old vehicle runs flawlessly, friends and family are daily in my life, my health is pretty darn good, I am rich yet with a meager bank account. A winning lotto ticket would not have improved a thing.

What an awesome quote, Keith! I used to talk to my students about this every year. I also read them a wonderful picture book written by Byrd Baylor and illustrated by Peter Parnall. It's called "The Table Where Rick People Sit." It's lyrical and profound; and, it resonates with people of all ages.

Well, I think there must be a balance. You can still be driven to success and maintain spiritual values and good work ethics. I agree there is too much emphasis on materialism, and we should focus on values more. But we shouldn't judge all rich people. Some do work hard and honestly to provide for their family and give them a better quality of life. Money should be just a means, not the end goal. To me, the end goal is to live your life with integrity, with kindness, to treat people with respect, to give them equal opportunity. Everyone deserves a chance to make their dreams come true. :)

I'm with you Keith. As far as a wealthy person who contributes to the world and who does not flaunt in a snobby way is Richard Branson. If you haven't yet, you should check out his blog. I like his thinking. He's got an idea to get rid of the tie. I read about it this morning. What a great idea!I know people who are so very rich but have no fun. Stiff and surrounded by junk that you can't touch or furniture you can't sit in. Ha!Another excellent post to share and think about!

The will to survive creates that feeling of insecurity which is best met with money! If we solve problems of scarcity we can solve concerns that relate to money! That's how I see it!Nice thoughts, Keith!

It's a tough topic. Personally, I couldn't give a rats about money, so long as I have enough to get by ... but that's not to say I would sneeze at a cool million if someone wanted to hand it over. I guess it's only a problem when money is the main goal.

I can't say I wouldn't like more money. It would give me freedom I don't have now to travel, to help out my kids, to help others. BUT, that said, except for the traveling I can help in so many ways that don't need money. So....

This reminds me of a quote I like "Hold everything in your hands lightly..otherwise it hurts when the Father has to pry them open." I think there is nothing that bad about money, but it is the love of money above more important things that is not good.

Cant say that I disagree - but given the choice between poverty and wealth even those would probably choose wealth.

There is a line in the film Platoon where somebody says "man, you have to be rich to even think like that". I would think most of us would chase wealth (or the things it brings) if we really faced the prospect of lasting poverty.

Total world income divided by population gives you an average income per person of about $6000 - thats about 3 times what I spent on this computer - perspective is a valuable think!

I suppose 'wealth' is relative and means many things to different people. I just feel sorry for people that define wealth only in monetary terms. I do think it depends on a person's background and childhood as to whether monetary wealth is the driving force in their lives. When the pursuit of wealth results in unethical behavior or judgement against those less fortunate, that is detrimental to your own evolution. With wealth comes responsibility. When you handle wealth irresponsibly you damage not only yourself, but all you come into contact with. I am not sure our country is too focused on wealth. I think it is an individual thing. I do see many, many wonderful acts of altruism from people blessed with wealth. In that respect, wealth is a wonderful thing. It's all relative.

I love this post I feel I am the richest person in the world especially when there were times we did not have two nickles to rub together as kids and seen how wonderful people give when they have none themselves. It is easy to give when you are rich but when you have only one loaf of bread in your house and you share it with your neighbour that is something. Yes I love being poor and sharing that. B

Absolutely! I have never been happier on the nights where I'm with my family or my friends or talking about a story or something that has nothing to do with money. Money makes the world go round, but seriously it can drive you nuts!!

Yes and no. There will always be people that love money and feel naked without mass quantities of it... And, there will always be people, like you (and me), who feel that life is much more than how much you have in the bank.

Far too much. And greed for more. Also the people I know who earn the most are often the least generous. But I feel that there is a growing awareness in certain circles that richness lies elsewhere. Maybe it's just that those are the people I find myself attracted toward?

i only want what i need, but being blessed with more, i dont like how spoiled my boys are becoming. its hard to instill values on whats important when they dont have to work very hard for what they have. we have made good choices and we've been on our own & worked hard for what we have. (our kids have chores & will not be given new cars when they drive, but it isnt like doing without, ya know?)

I like money. Sometimes I wish I had more of it (mostly because I want to be out of debt). That being said, money isn't everything. We are trying to live simply with what we have. I love my job and I work enough to pay the bills. We also love to travel and we save our money for that and the things we like to do. We have family and friends and that makes us rich.

Yes! I totally agree. I saw this quote a while back and loved it. I used to think this way, especially right out of college. I thought I had to get a good job and make a lot of money to be successful. But I have come to realize that success for me is doing what makes me the happiest, whether I make a lot of money or not. It would be nice to not to have to worry about money, but I'd rather be happy than working a high stress job just to make a lot of money. My priorities have definitely shifted, and I've never been happier :)

Awesome quote! Money is nice to have, but it does not buy happiness. I have family members who are always trying to get the next best thing, have more, want more, ect. They are not happy people. As long as I have enough to cover our basic living expenses and a few extra dollars to treat my kids every now and again, that makes me one happy lady :)

I love that quote. I think it's impossible to consider our society NOT placing such importance on monetary achievement, because that's how our entire country was started. Yes, Pilgrims came here for religious freedom, and were fairly self-contained, but commerce is an imperative tenet of a democracy. It's almost too big of a thought to comprehend.

I think the emphasis placed on money today comes from the decreasing percentage of the population that is willing stretch themselves to "make do" with what they have. I have a whole, huge, drawn-out theory about this, as I resigned from my teaching job but watched mom after mom after mom, go back to work when their babies were months old. We can chat about that sometime :)

You are so on the right track...I know only of a few people who really truly become happy with money...most have already discovered how much they have missed by sacrificing their lives for money...and this society does gauge everything by money...it is too sad! How do we change this?

Yes, I agree~~ there's a huge emphasis on $$$. I'm also happy to say, I have enough of it, enough to be off the streets, able to own a simple but safe home. I'm happy with simple and small...no one will ever want to rob me here :)

I agree with your statement and your sentiment. It is one of the reasons, I became a special education teacher. It's not the money that I am rich but in the smiles and the thank you's I get from my students. Perhaps our society needs a paradigm shift in thinking, from "get rich quick" to "serving our fellow" human. :)

I'm one of those people who snicker when others say that money can't buy happiness. I grew up in a small town, a farmer's daughter and while we didn't starve, we were always a step away from losing it all.

I see a big difference in those who grew up poor and their views of money and those who never really suffered much.

I would say that I agree with you overall - I think we do put too much of an emphasis on money these days and that makes people feel pressured to earn a lot of money or to measure their own success with money. This can be a really draining way to live.

But I don't think wealth is a bad thing, even if you are very wealthy. I'm really happy for people who are happy, whether it's money or a dream job or a gorgeous family that makes them that way.

When I hear that as a retiree my husband and I need at least a million dollars to be happily retired I just laugh. I am very happy and content living in an apartment, with tons of medical bills because of a sick husband and we have never been happier.

You have an interesting discussion going on with your post. Some people are naturally unhappy and no amount of wealth will ever change their outlook, but for some, it can mean the difference of life or death, or freedom or oppression. It can provide the means to start all over again and it might even buy health for some. Money gives people flexibility and often access to travel and insights they might not have otherwise. It's not a question of having a lot as much as having what you need.

Thank you very much for stopping by. I appreciated your comment very much.

This post made me think of an article that I read about JK Rowling (I think it was an old article). It basically said that she was knocked off of a list of some of the richest people in a certain category (you know, one of those lists that is always going around) because of how much money she gives away to charity. I thought that was really amazing and it made me love her even more.

I think this is a complicated question because I don't think that money alone will bring happiness but I do think that for some people it would really ease a lot of stress and anxiety and without that stress they would be able to appreciate the happiness that they have in other things more. That's not to say that I think that they wouldn't be able to appreciate the happiness in other things without the money, but stress can overshadow other things which could limit the enjoyment found in those other things.

I don't think that made any sense!!! Sorry!

Thanks for your comment on my last post. For some reason I was actually kind of nervous to post it so your comment meant a lot. :)

Money and the abundance or lack of it, is very subjective. I used to have a similar world view to yours when I was younger. Now, in my grand old age of 41 years old, I tend to be more pragmatic about having money and spending it. It's true that we place too much emphasis on it as a society, but it's also true that money's presence in the last five years has been conspicuous by its absence.

Im agree, the money is something that people lot so much for me.Fortunately the money never was terrible important to me, I dont need so much things, anyway the only moment is important when you have someone you care and is sick, that is terrible, but money for other things really not.Where Im now you would enjoy (I will make a post with some pictures!) is a little town in the south of Chile (Villarrica) with lakes and Vulcanos, really beauty. and we only have WIFI (sometimes) and no phone and cable! hugss

Hi Keith, I don't think those who are only financially driven ever find true happiness. I personally have seen people who are so unhappy because they have spent most of their lives upset because they don't have wealth or status, without any regard to the beauty that is around them.

I think people pursue money for the wrong reasons, to gain prestidge and to feel fulfilled. If that's why we are trying to gain wealth it will never make us happy. A lot can get sacrificed in the pursuit of money as well such as relationships and family. I think it all comes down to having a heart of gratitude. Money isn't everything :)

I agree with this completely, money has never been a driving force for me to achieve anything, as cliched as it sounds, I honestly do what I love because I love it not because I make any money ...ever...

I think the truth is you can have wealth but it doesn't define you...it's neither good nor bad, it's a medium to display what you are. I often wonder what wealth would do to us if we had it...maybe it's a magnifying glass on our lives we wouldn't want.

So true. The really important things in life like family, friends and love can't be bought with any money. They are much more valuable and will never lose their worth. So, really rich are only those who have love in their heart and life.

I wouldn't say no paying my debts off sooner than later! I am not very materialistic, I was raised in a 'make do and mend' house. I'd like to see my days out 'comfortably' and treat those who have been there for me at times of trouble.

I've never cared for money. I've seen what it can do and worried the same would happen to me if I allowed it. I would rather have friends and a home to escape to when I tire of my adventures. That would make me feel rich.

That is one of my favorite quotes! Half my family is blue collar and half are too rich. Let's just say that the blue collar side is ALWAYS a hundred times happier. I chose to walk away from the side with money. Everyone says that I'll lose my inheritance, but that doesn't bother me one bit :)

I agree, the quote is AWESOME. And yes, there is far too much emphasis on wealth and accumulation of STUFF in our society. One of my favorite reasons to receive/make money is so that I can give it away, to people who need it and organizations who are improving the world in significant (even if tiny) ways.

YES. Society in general seems to define how successful an individual is by how much wealth and material possessions they have; in the meantime, we are seeing an epidemic of callousness, selfishness and oblivion. "For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil" -- certainly some truth to that quote!